Midwestern Style Chili

Chili recipes vary by region.  Depending upon the region, the soup may or may not contain beans.  One city from my home state (Cincinnati) is known for its unique flavor and ingredients.  Cincinnati chili contains cinnamon and chocolate or cocoa and is usually served over spaghetti.

This chili recipe is based on my mother's and is a fairly typical midwestern style chili.

Ingredients
1.25 lbs hamburger
1/2 onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, diced
28 oz. can diced tomatoes
8 oz. can tomato sauce
15.5 oz. can dark red kidney beans, undrained
2 T sugar
2 cups water
2-3 T chili powder (according to personal "heat" requirements)
1/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Weber's Chicago Steak seasoning

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef and onions together.  Drain.
2. In dutch oven, combine ground beef and rest of ingredients (except for kidney beans).
3. Simmer on medium low for 20-25 minutes or until celery is soft.
4. Add kidney beans and liquid to pot.  Simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Top each serving with cheddar cheese if desired. 

Garlic Cheddar Chicken

Tired of the same old chicken breast recipes?  I am always looking for a new way to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.  This recipe is sure to become a family favorite - one that even kids and the pickiest eaters will enjoy.  (Note: The original inspiration for this recipe came from Allrecipes.com.  I made a few changes to it to decrease the fat content and make it a bit healthier.)

Ingredients:
5 tsp. butter
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers or Pepperidge Farm goldfish
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 or 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin and cut in half

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F
Place butter and garlic in microwave safe bowl.  Microwave until butter is melted.
Combine breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, cheese and spices and place in shallow bowl.
Dip each chicken piece in the butter mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press into breadcrumb mixture.
Lightly dust the bottom of a 9x13 pan with panko breadcrumbs (I use a large Pampered Chef large bar pan instead of a 9x13 glass pan).  Arrange chicken pieces in pan and top with any remaining breadcrumb mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.

Friday Favorite - Weber Grind 'N Grill

One of my favorite all purpose seasonings is Weber's Grind and Grill Chicago Steak Seasoning.  It is a blend of sea salt, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, sweet red pepper, and "spices".  I bought this grinder from Sam's Club for less than $5.00, which is a bargain since it is an 8 oz. size.  The attached grinder is adjustable, so you can vary the grind size.  I don't limit the use of this seasoning to hamburgers or steaks -- I use it in almost every beef, chicken, and soup recipe I make.